US2012458A - Plow - Google Patents

Description

Aug; 27, 1935. c. G. STRANDLUND 2,012,458

FLOW

Original Filed July I5, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet l Ln ma O m in J m O D 6 l Q E,

VVA/YN Aug. 27, 1935. C. G. sTRANDLUND 2,012,458 l PLOW Original Filled July 3, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 lil /N'VENTOR WIT/V555. @L l z (Mw. l ATYTORNEYS.

Aug- 27, 1935. c. G. STRANDLUND 2,012,458

` PLOW original Filed July 3, 1953 s sheets-'sheet s Z] 1N VNTO'R l l BY WWA/555. i3/ww, mq@

, Abu/0L A TTORNE VS.

C. G. STRANDLUN'D ufg. 2?, w35.

PLOW

Original Filed July 5, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I N V EN TOR ma f A TTORNEYS.

W/ TNESS.

Aug. 27, 1935.

C. G. STRANDLUND PLOW Original Filed July 5, 1933 G Sheets-Sheet 5 /m ,MEN m INVENTOR 'LY ATTORNEYS.

Aug. 27,1935. Cl G, STRANDLUND 2,012,458

PLOW

Original Filed July 5, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 ze A 2bn-Law. l ATTORNEYS. Y

- Patented Aug. l27, 1935 PATENT OFFICE PLOW Carl G. Strandlund, Moline, Ill., assignor to Deere & Company, Moline, Il l.,va corporation of Illi- IlOlS Application July 3, 1933, Serial No. 678,754 Renewed May 16, 1935 g 21 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements and is particularly concerned with the provision of an improved twoway tractor plow having novel lifting connections" by which either plow unit may be lowered independently of the other and novel means for loclging the plow in raised position so that it is maintained out of the way of the plow in lowered position. In its more generic aspects, the presio ent invention contemplates improved connections adapted for any implement embodying a tool unit or units which are shiftable from operative to inoperative position with means for locking or holding the unit in its inoperative position.

i@ Another object of theA present invention is the provision of improved means connecting the tool units to their supporting frame in such a manner that the transmission of draft to the tool in its operative or working position is not interfered 2p with but the connecting means is so constructed and arranged that when the tool unit is shifted to its inoperative position, the tool unit is at the same time moved to a given or predetermined position. u

More specifically, it is the purpose of the prescnt invention toprovide a two-way plow having spring means for transmitting the draft from thc tractor or other wheeled frame supporting the plow units to said units, which spring means 3@ is given a definite bias which is effective to shift thc plow in raised position to one side of the tractor out of the way of the plow in working position. The bias of such spring means is such that the lateral deviations ofthe unit in operating position is not materially restrained. These connections preferably include a pair of laterally spaced compression springs or the equivalent for each of the plow units, one of the spring means being made relatively strong and positioned adjacent the center of the tractor or wheeled sup.-

porting frame to transmit the pulling load while the other spring means is made relatively weak to permit a certain amount of lateral swinging movement of the plow with respect to its supporting frame but which is sufficiently strong to prevent lateral swinging of the plow when in. raised position.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of imprived-lifting and adjusting mechanism for implement units and the like, such as those carried by a tractor and connected with the draw bar thereof. According to the principles of the present invention, the novel connections include a rock shaft or the equivalent carried by the tractor andV operatively connected to rock the tractor draw bar to adjust the height of hitch for the tools, such rock shaft also supporting at least a portion of the connections which are operative t o raise and lower the tools. gl

These and other objects and advantages of 'the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of thc following detailed description of thc preferred construction, taken in conjunction with the ac- )lil companying drawings forming a part of the specification.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary side elevation with certain parts removed and showing the applicala tion of the present invention to a tractor propelled two-way plow, one of the plow units being in elevated position while the other plow unit is in' working or ground engaging position;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the machine il- 20,

lustrated in Figure l;

Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevation showing the lifting connections as they appear when the plow unit associated therewith is in its raised or inoperative position; 25

Figure 4 is a View similar to Figure 3 but illus trating the position of the parts when the plow unit is in working position;

Figure 5 isa section taken along the line 5 5 of Figure 3 30 Figure 6 is a top planview of a modified form of the present invention, illustrating the principles of the present invention as embodied in slightly different draft and lifting connections;

Figure 'l is a side elevation of the machine il- 35 lustrated in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a, vertical view, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating the manner in which a portion of the height adjusting connections are utilized as a bearing for the connections 40 utilized in raising the plow units to inoperative position; v

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate two positions of the lifting connections andthe associated toggle lock mechanism; v 45 Figure 11 is a, fragmentary elevation, illustrating the pivotal supporting means for the draw bar to which the tool beams and plow units are connected, the height of hitch for the tool beams being adjusted by rocking the draw bar; and` 50 Figure 12 is a section taken along the line |2-l2 of Figure 11.

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred form of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 u to 5, inclusive, from which it will be observed that the present invention is a. two-way plow. Twoway plows are especially adapted to plow hilly fields, irregular fields and irrigated fields that must be kept level for proper regulation of water 110W in the ditches. In using two-way plows, the operator starts on one side of the 'eld and plows back and yforth until the field is finished, first using one of the plow units and then the other, thus eliminating dead furrows and back ridges. The two-way plows include two complete plow bottonis` or units, one left hand and one right hand, as is well understood in the art. Two-way plows are well known in the art and itis to be further understood that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to other formsof agriculturalimpiements including mov- 'ably mounted soil engaging or operating units,

shiftable into and outof operative position. It will therefore be understood that the present invention and the teachings thereof may be utilized in implements other than plows or the like.

The two-way plow illustrated in the drawings is ofthe type adapted to be attached to and carried by a wheeled supporting frame in the form of a tractor of more `or less conventional construction, the plow being in the nature of an attachment adapted to be secured to and removed from the tractor. In Figure 1, the tractor is indicated by the reference numeral i@ -and consists of means il serving as a frame for supporting a tractor motor i2 and having front wheels (not shown) and rear traction wheels I3. The tractor also includes a transmission casing i5 including the usual gear connections and differential mechanism between the motor i2 and the rear drive wheels i3. The housing i5 is provided with arear section i6 from which right and left hand axle housings il' and i8 extend and in which the driving axles 20 and 2i are journaled. The drive wheels i3 arev adjustably mounted on the axles t@ and 2i and are so arranged that their tread spacing may be varied according to conditions.

The two-wayl plow units adapted to be attached to the tractor lil are indicated in Figure 2 by the reference numerals 25 and 26 and are similar in allJ'espects except that the plow bottoms of the two units are shaped. to throw furrows in opposite directions. Each unit comprises a plow beam 21 shaped as best shown in Figure 1 and carrying a plow bottom or furrow opener 28 at its rear end. Approximately mid-way of the front and rear ends of the tractor frame il is a transversely disposed draft bar 36 to which the forward ends of the tool -beams 2l are connected as will be described later. The draft bar or beam 3@ is preferably of channel section having substantially vertical flanges to which attaching plates 3i and 32 are secured at opposite ends thereof, as by Welding or the like. The upper ends of these plates 3i and 32 are apertured to receive attaching bolts which are disposed in the lower looped sections 38 of a pair of. plates or bars 88 and 39 adjustably fixed in vertically positioned slots or openings in a pair of brackets d@ and di which are bolted to opposite sides of the tractor by means of bolts 42 and 48. The means for adjustably xing the plates 38 and 39 in the brackets 40 and 4| consist of a bolt 4S or the equivalent which is anchored at its lower end to the associated plate and which extends upwardly through a perforation in a lug 41 extending outwardly and laterally from the associated bracket. Nuts 48 and 49 threaded onto the bolt 46 and disposed on opposite sides ot the lug 41 serve to retain these parts 2,012,458 the machine chosen to illustrate the principles of in vertical adjustment. It will be understood, of course, that any other means for rigidly and adjustably connecting the draft bar or draft beam 30 to the tractor may be utilized if desired.

The forward ends 'of the tool beams 2l are operatively connected with th'e transversely disposed draft bar 30 by connections providing for vertical and horizontal movement of the tool beams with respect to the Wheeled supporting frame, namely, the tractor i0, which connections are so constructed and y arranged to prevent lateral swinging of the operating unit which has been raised to inoperative position. Such connections will now be described. The forward end portion 21a. of each of the tool beams 2l carries a pivot bolt 50 to which is secured a bell crank 5i having a horizontally l.disposed and forwardly extending arm 52 pivotally connected to the bifurcated end 53 of a draft rod or plunger 55 slidingly disposed in perforations in the depending flanges of the draft bar or draft beam 30. Preferably, the connection between the forward end of the bell crank arm 52 and the rear end of the plunger 55 consists of a pivot bolt or pivot pin 5l. A compression spring SD is disposed on the plunger 55 forwardly of the draft beam 30 and is confined between the forward ange of the latter and an adjusting nut 6l threaded on the front end of the plunger 55.

A laterally extending framework t5 is rigidly connected with the forward end-portion 27a of each of the tool beams 2l, andi this inwardly eX- tending framework 65'consists of members 5l and t8 suitably bolted or riveted together and to the tool beam 2l in-any desired manner. 'Ihe forwardmost end of the member @l extends to a point in lateral alignment with the forward end of the bell crank arm 52 and is bent, as best shown in Figure 2, so as to extend in parallelism therewith. This end of the member tl is apertured to receive a pivot pin or bolt lil which is carried by the rear bifurcated end li of an inner draft rod or plunger 13. Like 'the draft rod or plunger 55, the plungers 13 extend through perforations in the central portion of the draft bar 30, and spring means i5 embraces the forward ends of the plungers 13 and are confined between the forward flange of the draft bar 30 and adjusting nuts 'i6 threaded onto the plungers 73.

Since the right and left hand plow or implement units are substantially identical, the same or similar parts have been indicated by identical reference numerals.

The above described `hitch connections are preferably such that the spring means l is made sufficiently strong and heavy so as to transmit practically all of the pulling load of the tractor to the plow-body or furrow opener 28, the pivot connections ill being made loose enough to permit some lateral swinging of the tool beam 2l when in operative position'. The companion spring means 60 is considerably weaker than the spring means i5 so that lateral swinging of the tool beam 2l in operative position, responsive to changes in the direction of the line of draft caused by steering the tractor or when the center of load on the plow unit shifts, as when striking a rock on one side, is permitted, but the spring means 50 is made sufficiently strong to prevent the lateral swinging of the plow when in raised position or when the plow unit has been lifted enough to bring the plow body out of engagement with the ground. In other words, under the influence of changes in the line of draft, the tool beam 2l in operative or working position swings about the pivot point 10, the corresponding movement of the end of thel bell crank arm 52 being accomm dated by the yielding of the relatively weak spring means 60 while the spring means I5 is effective to transmit practically all of the draft forces to the tool beam 21 through the frame member 61. j

However, when the implement tool beam has been raised, the spring means 60 becomes immediately effective to swing the tool beam laterally outwardly of its supporting frame, namely. the tractor, to a pcsitionout of the way of the opposite tool beam so as to permit the latter to'have rela.- tively unrestricted lateral movement about its hitch point l0.

It is to be noted that each of the plow units isconnected with the transversely disposed draft bar or draft beam 30 at two laterally spaced points, at one of which the draft transmitting means is disposed while at the other point the biased means is disposed for swinging the tool beam to a given lateral position when it has been raised out of ground engaging position. It will also be noted that only the laterallyouter points, namely, 5l', are provided with the bell cranks 5|. The function of the bell cranks 5| is to level the plow unit. The connections by which this is a/ccomplished will now be described.

Each of the bell cranks 5| includes an upwardly disposed arm 80 to which a generally longitudinally extending link 8| is connected, the rear end of the link 8| being connected to an adjusting lever 83 pivotally supported, as at 84', on a sector t5 rigidly supported from the associated plow beam 21. Suitable latch mechanism 81 is provided and, cooperates with a toothed portion of the sector 85 to retain the adjusting lever 83 in any given position. By releasing the latch mechanism 81 and swinging the lever 83, the bell crank 5| may be adjusted to raise or lower the hitch point 50 at which the forward end 21a of the associated tool beam 21 is connected. Since the laterally inner portion of the framework 65 secured to the tool beam 21 is connected directly to the inner draft plunger 13, the vertical adjustment of the point 50 serves to level the unit. Each of the units 25 and 2B is provided with such an adjusting mechanism, and hence a description of one will suflice.

The tractor is provided with power lift mechanism |00 embodying a housing |0| (see Figure 1) from which extend rtwo laterally directed tubular members |02 and |03 that support and enclose an actuating rock shaft means having at its outer ends arms |06 and |01, respectively. Suitable one-cycle or half revolution clutch mechanism is disposed within the housing |0| and operatively connected -to the gearing contained in the transmission housing I5. Such clutch mechanism is controlled by means of a trip lever ||0. Actuatlon of the lever ||0 serves to rock the shaft or shafts |05 to raise and lower the implement plow units. The present invention is not concerned with the particular details of the power lift clutch and hence the same has not been completely illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood, therefore,

that the present invention contemplates any formof power lift clutch for rocking the rock shaft |05. Preferably, however, the Apower lift mechanism |0| is of such construction that the rock shaft |05 is rocked first in one direction thru an angle of about 45 and then back again to its original position.

The lifting connections between the rock shaft arms |06 and |01 and the plow units include links H5 pivotally connected to thefouter'ends of the arms |06 and |01 and to the tool beams 21, as at ||1. Preferably, each of the lifting arms |06 and |01 comprises a pair of plates |20 and |2| riveted or otherwise secured together at their outer ends, as by a spacer 22, and journaled at their inner ends on cylindrical portions of a casting |23 bolted, as at |25, over the squared end of the rock shaft |05. The two plates |20 and |2i are fastened together intermediate their ends by a spacer member |21. The casting |23 includes a lug portion |30 which is disposed underneath the two arm sections |20 and |2| so that whenever the rock shaft |05 is rocked in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figures l, 3 and 4, the lifting arm will be rocked therewith, the lug portion |30 abutting against the lower edges of the plates or arm sections |20 and |2l. By virtue of this construction, however, the rock shaft |05 may be rocked in a counterclockwise direction without causing the lifting arm |06 to move therewith, the lug portion |30 merely moving` away from the lower edge of the plates |20 and |2|, as will be referred to later.

The spacing member |21 is utilized for pivotally connecting a link |40 to the two plates |20 and |2| of the lifting arm |05, and in a, similar manner, the member |22, which is als-oa spacer,

serves to pivotally connect the upper end of the link i I5 with the outer end of the arm |06. A

second link member IM is pivotally connected, as at |42, with the link ||5 at a point intermedlate the ends thereof. The llink member Uli comprises two links or straps |43 and |44,as bestvshown in Figure 5, these links being disposed on opposite sides of the link member ||5 and within a sie 4,5 formed in the outer end of the .link.,.lauandthe outermost portions of the links |03 a'f'ndtit are riveted together, as at |50, to providea1 convenient actuating handle |5|.

The link members and I ill constitute, in effect, toggle links and are operative when locked to x thearm |06 and link I5 in position to hold the tool beam 21 associated therewith in elevated relation. The links |40 and MI are shown in their over-center or locked relation in' Figure 3 from which 'it will be observed that the pivot connection is disposed to the right of the line joining the pivots |42 and |21. By virtue of this relation the weight of the implement 21 being transmitted through the links ||5 and |4| to the link itil-establishes a couple acting to rotate the toggle link |40 in a, clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3. This .rotation is prevented, however, by virtue of the contact between the curved section of the link memr |4| and the rivet |21, as bestshown in Figures 3 and 5. It will thus be apparent that by rigidly connecting the pivotl points |21 and |42, the'link H5 and the arm |06 are fixed in a given angular position so that the weight of the raised tool beam is transmitted thereby to the cylindrical portion of the casting |23 `mounted on the rock shaft |05.

The toggle lock IAD-IM just described may be broken by rocking the handle 5| rearwardhr, or in a counterclockwise direction as Viewed in Figure 3. Moving the handle |5| in this manner will shift the pivot 5to the left of theline joining the pivots |02 and |21, the weight of the tool beam 21 then becoming effective to extend the |06 and associated parts to the position shown in Figure 4, which is'the working position for the plow bodies or other tools carried by the beam 21.

In order to raise the tool beam to the position shown in Figure 3, the trip lever I|0 is actuated and the associated clutch mechanism causes the partial rotation of the power lift shaft |05 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 4. By virtue of this movement, the lug |30 abuts the lower edges of the plates |20 and |2`| making up the lifting arm |06, thus swinging the arm |00 upwardly .as the rock shaft |05 is rocked in a clockwise direction. This upward'movement of the arm |06 acts through the link H5 to raise the beam |21. During this movement, the upward movement of the link H5 raises the toggle link Ili and swings the toggle link |40 upwardly to substantially the position shown in Figure 3. In order to insure that the toggle links M0 and |4|| will become locked, a spring |00 is anchored to a bracket |6| carried at the lower end of the link ill. 'I'he spring |60 is also anchored to an eye bolt |63 adjustably fixed, as at its, in a bracket fixed to theupper end of the link i0. Thus, as the toggle link |40 is swung upwardly approaching the position shown in Figure 3, the tension of the spring |60 is sufiicient to swing the link iti in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3 so as to dispose the pivot |05 to the right of the line joining the pivots |42 and |21. The slot |650 in the link |50 permits this additional movement and, in addition, permits a limited amount of vertical movement of the tool beam 21 and the links it@ and IM without unduly swinging the handle |55.

Whenever the rock shaft|05 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 3, both of the plow units will be lifted to a raised position and will be automatically locked in their raised position by the toggle mechanism just described. Preparatory to dropping either of the plow units, the power liit is operated again to cause the rock shaft |05 to rotate back to the position shown in Figure 4, thus rotating the lug |30 on each of the castings |23 away from the lifting arms |00 and |00. Then, to drop either of the plows, the lever iti for` that plow is pulled rearwardly thus unlocking the over-center or toggle lock and permitting the associated lifting arm to rotate back to the position shown in Figure 4.

The connection of the links i i5 and of the links |40 with the lifting arms |06 and i0? are made loose so as not to interfere withthe lateral swing` ing of the plow units. The provision of the slots |40 also provides for any manufacturing inaccuracies in the links and associated parts.

Figures 6 to 12, inclusive, illustrate another formy of `construction embodying certain of the principles of the present invention referred to above'and of the features many of which may, if desired, be applied to the construction shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive. Primarily, however, the construction shown in Figures l to 5 is particularly adapted .to be associated with tractors or the like -bhaving a live axle construction while the form of machine' shown in Figures 6 to i2.is particularly adapted to be associated with a wide tread tractor or the like having an arched axle. Referring now to the latter figures, two substantially identical plow units 200 and '20| are provided, each of the units including a tool beam 203 which has a bracket 20d fixed to its forward end and connected, as by U-bolts 205, to a U-shaped bracket 206. Each of the brackets 200 is connected to the draw bar 201 of the tractor |0a at two laterally spaced points 2I0 and 2| i, these points being 75/l/ established by means of pivot pins or studs carried by the bifurcated rear ends of .draft bolts or plungers 2li slidingly supported in U-shaped brackets 2l6 bolted or otherwise secured, as at 2 I1, to the tractor draw bar 201. The draft bolts or plungers 2li have springs 2|! and 2|! associated therewith and so constructed and arranged as to function in the same manner as the spring means 60 and 15 described above.

In order to eiect the hitch connection just described, the draw bar 201 is preferably disposed in a reverse position, being connected with the drive housings of the tractor |0a as will now be described. The draw bar 201 of the tractor is rockably supported thereon for vertical movement about a transverse axis to provide for raising and lowering the hitch point of the tool beams 003, the latter being provided with plow bodies 20 as in Athe previously described modification. In order to have the axis about which the draw bar 000 rocks intersect the line of draft to each plow, the draw bar 200 is provided with a bracket 200 xedly connected thereto or carried thereby by means of a bolt 02 passing throughthe forward portion of the bracket 220 and the corresponding section of the draw bar 201i and by lugs 202 and 22s formed integraly with the bracket 020 and bearing on the opposite edges of the draw bar 001, as best shown in Figure ii.

The tractor' 60a includes generally downwardly extending drive housings 225 provided with at taching lugs 22d formed thereon or carried thereby. To each lug a depending bracket 200 is piv= oted, as by means o a bolt 20|, but the depending bracket 220 is held rigid withrespect to the tractor by means of 'a tie link 00d having a iorward inturned end 200 extending through an opening in the lower portion oi the bracket dit and also through an opening inthe lower portion of the draw bar bracket 03d and secured. in position by means of a cotter key 230 or the equivalent. The rear end 200 of the tie link 23d is disposed in one of the openings 230 in a lug 2M formed on the drive housing 22d. Ii' desired, the forward lug 220 on the drive housing may also be provided with a plurality of two lor more openings to receive the boit 00| in various positions. The forward inturned end 230 of the tie link 230, in connection with the companion tie link on the other side of the machine, defines the pivot axis about which the tractor draw bar 201 swings in eiecting adjustment as to the height of hitch for the tool beams 200. By virtue of the depending plate or bracket 220 and the bracket 220 on the draw bar, this axis can be disposed substantially in the line of draft from the tractor to the plow body in working position.

The plow units 203 are leveled by an arrangement which is similar in ymany respects to the means for` the same purpose described above. The outermost portion o' the U-shaped bracket 206 is provided with a bell crank 240 having an arm portion 240 connected with the pivot 2|3 and a second arm portion 241 connected with a longitudinally extending link 230. The rear portion of the tool beam 203 carries a sector 26| to which is pivoted an adjusting lever 203, as at 250, -the lower-end of the lever 253 being connected, as at 250, with the rear end of the link 200. Swinging the adjusting lever 233 will rock the bell crank 205, causing the latter to iulcrum about the pivot 2|0 to raise and lower the forward and outer portion ot the tool beam 203, thereby leveling the' plow body 23 carried thereby. Each of the plow units is provided with this form of leveling means.

The rear end portions 259 of the draw bar 201 are connected by means of links 260 and 26| with forwardly extending arms 263r and 264 secured to or carried by a transversely disposed rock shaft 265 supported for rocking movement in a pair of laterally spaced brackets 261 and 268. These brackets are fixed, as by welding or the like, to a U-shaped angle iron support 210 disposed in a vertical position and secured, as by bolts 21|, to the chain housings or drive housings 225 of the tractor.

The rock shaft 265 is rocked by means of an adjusting lever 215 fixed adjacent one end of the rock shaft, as by being bolted or otherwise secured to a casting 216 mounted on a squared end 211 of the rock shaft. The adjusting lever 211 includes the usual detent mechanism 280 cooperating with a sector 28| xed to the bracket 258, as best shown in Figure 8. By rocking the lever 215, the draw bar 201 may be rocked about its pivots 235 to raise or lower the hitch points 2|0 and 2|| for the tool beams 203.

The plow units 200 and 20| are raised to inoperative position through lifting connections which include parts mounted on the rock shaft 265. Such connections include a pipe or tubular member 300 journaled over the rock shaft 265, as best shown in Figure 8, and are provided with an arm 30| fixed thereto, as by welding or the like, and link connected, as by a link member 302, to a pendulum link 303 mounted on the tractor, as best shown in Figure 7, and rocked by means of a connection 305 with the power lift 306 of the tractor. Each of the tool beams 203 is connected by a chain 3|0 with an arm 3|| v journaled on one end of. the tubular pipe member 300. Each of the arms 3|| is confined between the associated brackets 261 or 268, and a collar 3|2 fixed to the pipe member 300, as by welding or the like. Each of the collars 3|2 has an arm portion 3|5 formed integral therewith or carried thereby and having a laterally extending lug 316 adapted to engage the underside of the associated lifting arm 3| l.

By virtue of this construction, as best illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, whenever the tubular pipe member 300 is rocked, as by actuation of the power lift 306 of the tractor, in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 9 to the position shown in Figure 10, the lifting arms 3|| are elevated, thereby lifting either or both of the plows 203.

Locking mechanism is provided for holding either or both of the lifting arms 3|! in elevated position independently of the subsequent rocking of the lugs 3|6 back to their position shown in Figure 9. Such rocking mechanism includes toggle links similar in many respects to the toggle lock means described above. One of the toggle links is indicated in Figures 9 and -10 by the reference numeral 320 and is pivotally connected, as at 32|, with the associated lifting arm 31|. The other link 322 is provided with a pivot bolt 323 received within a slot 325 formed in the outer end of the toggle link 320. The other toggle link 322 is pivotally supported at 321 on a stationary bracket 329, which may be a portion of one of the brackets 261 and 268. The toggle link 322 is offset, as at' 330, to permit the-pivot 323 to rotate below the line connecting the pivots 32| and 321, as best shown in Figure 10, whereby the associated lifting arm 3|| is locked in raised position. The slotted construction 325 provides for the movement of the toggle links to their over-center relation and also accommodates manufacturing inaccuracies of these links. Each of the links 322 is biased for movement toward its locked position by means of a spring 332 connected with the arm at one end and anchored at its other end to a lug 333. A

Each of the toggle links 332 has a forward section 335 which terminates in a pedal 336. By stepping on the pedal 336, the associated link 322 will be rocked upwardly about its pivot 321 to release the toggle lock and permit the associated tool beam 203 to drop.

To aid the power lift in raising the plow units 203, a lifting spring 340 has been provided and is secured at its rear end to an extension 34| formed on one of the arms 3|5. The forward end of the lifting spring 340 is anchored to a. bracket 342 which embraces the right hand tubular axle housing or quill |8a of the tractor |0 and is formed to hook in back of'a flange 3&5 thereon, as best shown in Figure 7.

While have shown and described above the preferred constructions in which the principles of the present invention have been embodied, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specic details shown and described above, but that,'in fact, widely different means may be employed in the practice of the broader aspects of my invention.

What I claim, therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a tool beam movably connected in draft receiving relation therewith and shiftable to different positions with respect thereto under the inuence of the application of draft thereto, and biased means providing for substantially unrestrained movement of said beam under the draft forces applied thereto but having suicient bias after said draft forces are removed to automatically shift'said tool beam back to one of its positions and hold the beam in that position.

2 An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a tool beam movably connected therewithfor vertical and horizontal movement and provided with ground engaging tool means, and biased means operatively. connected with the tool beam and providing for lateral movement thereof under the influence of normal draft forces applied to said tool means when in ground engaging position but having sufficient strength to automatically shift said tool beam laterally of the frame when said tool means is raised out of ground engaging position.

3. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a tool beam movably connected with the frame and including a ground engaging tool shiftable into and out of ground engaging position, means connecting the tool beam with said frame and serving to establish an effective hitch point near the center of the frame, and biased means adapted to yield under the application of normal draft forces applied to said ground engaging tool when the latter is in its ground engaging position and acting to swing said tool beam laterally outwardly of said frame only when the tool beam is shifted out of ground engaging position.

4'. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a tool beam movably connected with the frame and including a ground engaging tool shiftable into and out of ground engaging position, 'means servingl as a generally transversely extending draft bar on the frame, e. pair of laterallyspaced generally longitudinally the tool beam to swing laterally when said toolextending draft members carried by the tool beam and adapted to be attached to saidv draft means at laterally spaced points thereon, and relatively lightspring means connecting one of said draft members with said draft bar means and providing for lateral movement of said tool beam `about the point of attachment with the vvother of said draft members under the influence of normal draft forces applied to said ground engaging tool, said relatively light spring means causing is out of ground engaging position.

5. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, -a tool beam movably connected with the frame and including a ground engaging to ol shiftable into and out of ground engaging position, means serving as a generally transversely extending draft bar on the frame, a pair of laterally spaced generally longitudinally `extending draft members carried by the tool beam and adapted to be attached to said draft means at laterally spaced points thereon, spring means connecting said draft members with said draft bar means, and means for moving said tool beam out of ground engaging position, one of said spring means being arranged to transmit the major portion of the draft to the tool beam and the other of said spring means being arranged to shift the tool beam laterally only after it has been shifted out of ground engaging position.

6. In combination, a supporting frame, a soil Iengaging unit, and means connecting said unit with said frame comprising spring means of sumcient strength to transmit the draft force from said frame to said unit and a .second relatively weak spring means spaced laterally from said first spring means and providing for the lateral swinging of the`V unit in response to lateral shifting of the line of draft, said second spring means being sumciently strong to prevent lateral swinging of the unit when shifted into an inoperative position.

7. In combination, a wheel supported frame, a

plow unit, means connecting said plow unit to' said frame comprising a spring of sumcient strength to transmit the draft force from. said frame to said plow unit and a second relatively weak spring spaced laterally from said first spring permitting said plow unit to swing laterally responsive to lateral yshifting `of the line of draft, said second spring being sufficiently strong to prevent lateral swinging of the plow unit when raised into an inoperative position, and means for raising the plow. unit into an inoperative position.

8. The combination with a supporting frame and an implement unit movably connected with said frame for relative movement, of an arm rockably mounted on said frame, a link pivotally connected with sai'd arm and with said unit, means for rocking said arm to shift said unit to one position, and means for releasably locking said link to said arm when said arm is rocked to shift the unit .to said position to thereby prevent said arm from rocking and to hold the unit in said position.

9. The combination with a wheeled frame and a plow unit plvotally connected-to said frame for vertical movement, of an arm rockably mounted on said frame, alink plvotally connectedto said arm and to said plow unit, means for rocking said arm to raise said plow unit to an inoperative v position, and means for releasably locking said link to said arm when saidy armis rocked to raise the plow unit to prevent said arm from rocking back to its first position.

10. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame adapted to have a tool beam plvotally connected therewith for generally vertical movement, a rockably mounted member on the frame, a second member movably mounted with respect to the frame and adapted to be operatively connected with said tool beam to raise the same, a pair of toggle links plvotally connected together by lost motion means and at least one of said toggle links being connected to one of said members,l said toggle links being operative when swung to an over-center position to hold said members against relative movement in at least one direction to'retain said tool beam in a raised position, means connecting said one toggle link with said one member for relative pivotal movement, the other toggle link being adapted to engage said means to define said overcenter position, and spring means cooperating with one of said toggle links and operative to move said toggle links into said position.

1l. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a generally transversely disposed draft bar, a pairv ofv laterally spaced brackets 'carried by said frame and including slotted porbar.

12. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a generally transversely disposed draft bar, a pair of laterally spaced brackets carried by said frame and including slotted portions, movably mounted plate members connected, respectively, with said slotted portions and secured to said draft bar, means adjustably securing said plates to said brackets to fix the position of said draft bar with respect to said frame, 'draft connections carried by said draft bar and including swingably mounted bell cranks, operating units connected with said bell cranks, and means connected with said bell cranks for adjusting the position of the forward .ends of said operating units. l

13. The combination 'with a tractor having a draft bar mounted for vertical movement with respect to the tractor and an implement connected to said draft bar for vertical movement, of a rock shaft, connections between said rock shaft, and said draft bar whereby rocking of the a depending bracket plvotally connected with each of said lugs, rearwardly extending link means. a connected with the lower portion of said brackets and anchored to said drive housings for fixing the position of said brackets, a pair of vbrackets rigidly carried by said draw bar and plvotally mounted on the forward portion of said link means, and means connected with said draw bar for swinging the same vertically.

15. An agricultural implement comprising a supporting frame, a tool beam movably connected with the frame and includingA a ground engaging ly light spring means causing they-tool beam to4 swing laterally when said tool is out of ground engaging position.

16. In combination, a supporting frame, a soil engaging unit, and means connecting said unit with said frame for lateral pivoting and comprising draft -transmitting means for transmitting the draft force from said frame to said unit and a relatively weak spring means spaced laterally from said draft transmitting means and providing foxthe lateral swinging of theunlt in response to lateral shifting of the line of draft` said spring means being sufficiently strong to prevent laterel swinging of the unit when shifted into an inoperative position. l

17. The combination with a supporting frame and an implement unit movably connected with said frame for relative movement, of an arm rockably mounted on said frame, means connecting said arm with said unit, means for rocking said arm to shift said unit to one position, and

means connected with said unit and said armand operative, when said arm is rocked to shift the unit to said one position, for releasably locking the unit in said position.

18. The combination with a supporting frame and an implement unit movably connected with said frame for relative movement, of an arm rockably mounted on said frame, means connecting said arm with said unit, means for rocking said arm to shift said unit to one position, and

means including toggle mechanism reacting against said unit and said supporting frame and moved into over-center relation when said arm is rocked to shift the unit to said position for releasably holding the unit in said position.

19. The combination with a supporting frame and an implement uni-t movably connected with said frame for relative movement, of an arm rockably mounted on said frame, means connecting said arm with said unit, means for rocking said arm to shift said unit to one position. means including toggle mechanism reacting against said unl-t and said supporting frame andY moved into over-center relation when said arm is rocked to shift the unit to said position for releasably holdlng the unit in said position, and means tending tol shift said toggle mechanism into its overcenter position when said unit is in said one position.

20. The combination with a supporting frame with said implement unit, and means connected between said unit and said lifting mechanism in- `dependently of said link means for releasably locking said implement unit in raised posi-tion.

21. The combination with a supporting frame and an implement unit movably connected with said frame for relative movement, of implement lifting mechanism` carried by said frame and including a pivotally mounted arm, link means serving Ito connect said arm with said implement unit, and means connected with said implement unit and arm independently of said link means for releasably locking said implement unitl in Vraised position, one of the points of connection of said last named means being spaced from the associated poin-t of connection of said link means.

CARL G. STRANDLUND.

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